Abstract: A method of producing a porous, liquid absorbent, open-cell polymeric foam material having properties which makes it suitable for use as an absorbent structure in absorbent articles such as diapers, pant diapers, sanitary napkins, incontinence guards, wound dressings, bed protections etc, comprising dissolving a polymer in a solvent, adding a surfactant and causing foaming, after which the polymer is crosslinked in the foamed mixture by means of a crosslinking agent. The temperature of the foam thus formed is lowered to a temperature below the freezing point of the solvent and the crosslinking reaction is continued during the freezing step, and after the main part of the solvent is removed from the formed foam material.

Abstract: Controlled-release oral pharmaceutical compositions containing as active ingredient 5-amino-salicylic acid, comprising: a) an inner lipophilic matrix consisting of substances with a melting point below 90° C. in which the active ingredient is at least partly inglobated; b) an outer hydrophilic matrix in which the lipophilic matrix is dispersed; c) optionally other excipients.

Abstract: Controllably dissolvable silica-xerogels prepared via sol-gel process and their use. A delivery device including controllably dissolvable silica-xerogel into which structure a biologically active agent is incorporated. Pharmaceutical preparations including this device. Medical devices for orthopedic and surgical purposes which contain controllably dissolvable silica-xerogels, which may further include a biologically active agent.

Abstract: Natural, biodegradable compositions are described as well as methods for their manufacture. Fishing lures and other items made of the biodegradable materials disintegrate over time in fresh or salt water to reduce pollution. The materials are digestable by fish and other aquatic animals, reducing potential harm to the animal from ingesting a fishing lure or other item made from the natural biodegradable materials disclosed. Because the material is digestable, it can also be used as a food source or supplement for fish and aquatic animals.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for dermal use, wherein the composition has a first pharmacologically active component A consisting of at least one vitamin D or vitamin D analogue, and a second pharmacologically active component B consisting of at least one corticosteroid, wherein the difference between the maximum stability pH of said first component A and the maximum stability pH of said second component B is at least 1.

Abstract: A biologically active conjugate is disclosed comprising a biopolymer and a therapeutic agent joined by a disulfide bond. The conjugate, when formulated in a pharmaceutical composition with a suitable carrier, has improved in vivo stability and activity, and can be targeted to a variety of cells, tissues and organs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved controlled delivery system that can be incorporated in dry granular, or powder, fabric care products, such as laundry detergents, tumble dryer sheets, rinse added products, and other fabric care products, to enhance fragrance performance. The controlled delivery system of the present invention comprises substantially free-flowing, powder formed of solid hydrophobic, positively charged, nano-spheres of encapsulated active ingredients, such as a fragrance, that are encapsulated in a moisture sensitive micro-spheres, solid spheres. The high cationic charge density of the nano-sphere improves fragrance deposition onto the laundered fabric.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved somatotropin composition consisting of somatotropin having in vivo, at least one of lipid-soluble vitamins and at least one of pharmaceutically acceptable lubricants, which improves poor syringeability under cold temperature which has been a defect of the conventional somatotropin formulation using vitamins, and which shows at least the equivalent effect to that of the conventional formulation.

Abstract: A solid oral controlled-release dosage form of hydrocodone is disclosed, the dosage form comprising an analgesically effective amount of hydrocodone or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and controlled release material.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use, in an aqueous spray mixture comprising a phytosanitary formulation, of an anti-leaching agent comprising: at least a polyhydroxyl and/or polycarboxyl polymer or copolymer; at least a crosslinking agent comprising a metal selected among columns IVA, IB and IIIB of the periodic table; said anti-leaching agent being, in the aqueous spray mixture, in the form of an aqueous solution or dispersion having a polymer or copolymer concentration such that the viscosity of the anti-leaching agent is not more than 10 times the viscosity of the aqueous solution in polymer or copolymer without crosslinking agent, having the same concentration.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of making particles useful in drug delivery, comprising the steps of: contacting polyanionic polymers with cations in a stirred reactor so that polyanions and the cations react to form particles.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a rapidly disintegrating dosage form a pharmaceutically active substance which has an unacceptable taste wherein there is formed a solution or a suspension in a solvent of a form of the pharmaceutically active substance which is less soluble in water and more palatable than the form with the unacceptable taste together with a water-soluble or water-dispersible carrier material. Discrete units of the suspension or solution are formed and the solvent is removed from the discrete units under conditions whereby a network of the carrier material carrying a dosage for the less soluble and more palatable form of the pharmaceutically active substance is formed.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for oral administration of an active compound having a bioavailability of 20% or less. The composition comprises, based on its total weight, from 0.01% to about 15% (w/w) of said active compound molecularly dissolved in the composition, from 30 to 80% (w/w) of an edible lipid matrix and from 1 to 20% (w/w) of an edible emulsifier, the ratio between the dose weight of the active compound and its solubility in the composition being equal to or greater than 0.6 ml. The high percentage of fat (30-80%) enables a considerable increase the amount of the drug that is molecularly dispersed in the dosage form, thus allowing a significant reduction in the number of unit doses that must be taken daily-by patients.

Abstract: Ocular implant devices for the delivery of a therapeutic agent to an eye in a controlled and sustained manner. Dual mode and single mode drug delivery devices are illustrated and described. Implants suitable for subconjunctival placement are described. Implants suitable for intravitreal placement also are described. The invention also includes fabrication and implementation techniques associated with the unique ocular implant devices that are presented herein.

Abstract: Disclosed are an enteric coated formulation of a benzimidazole derivative comprising a core and a film of an enteric coating agent on the surface thereof, the core containing a complex of the benzimidazole derivative and an ion-exchange resin, and the enteric coating agent having the degree of substitution by an acidic group of less than 30%, and a method for preparation thereof.

Abstract: This invention provides for, inter alia, a transdermal therapeutic system comprising at least one therapeutically active substance, which is oxidizable by hydroperoxides, wherein the amount of oxidative degradation of said active substances(s) and the corresponding formation of oxidative degradation products is reduced, which comprises one or more constituents of said transdermal therapeutic system being in contact with said active substance(s), wherein the sum of the peroxide number(s) (PON) of each of said constituents related to their percentage of the whole amount of said constituents as expressed by the formula ∑ i = 1 n ⁢   ⁢ ( N i · PON / 100 ) where N is the percentage content of the whole amount of said constituents in the TTS, n is the number of said constituents i

Abstract: Amino acid derivative as carrier compounds and compositions which are useful in the delivery of active agents are provided. The active agents can be a peptide, mucopolysaccharide, carbohydrate, or lipid. Methods of administration, including oral administration, and preparation are provided as well.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing powders from high viscosity fluids including mixing a mixture comprising a high viscosity fluid and at least one absorbing agent until a dry dispersion is produced; combining, under shear, a combination of the dry dispersion with a naturally derived oil having a melting point at least about 110° F.; and granulating the combination into a powder. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions that include a high viscosity fluid, at least one absorbing agent; and a naturally derived oil with a melting point at least about 110° F., together with sustained-release embodiments of such compositions.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical gastroretentive drug delivery systems for the controlled release of an active agent in the gastrointestinal tract are disclosed, which comprise: (a) a single- or multi-layered matrix comprising a polymer that does not retain in the stomach more than a conventional dosage form selected from (1) degradable polymers that may be hydrophilic polymers not instantly soluble in gastric fluids, enteric polymers substantially insoluble at pH less than 5.5 and/or hydrophobic polymers and mixtures thereof; (2) non-degradable polymers; and any mixtures of (1) and (2); (b) a continuous or non-continuous membrane comprising at least one polymer having a substantial mechanical strength; and (c) a drug; wherein the matrix when affixed or attached to the membrane prevents evacuation from the stomach of the delivery system for a period of time of from about 3 to about 24 hours.

Abstract: A viscous, non-liquid, non-gel scent lure for hunting, consisting of animal urine and a thickening agent. The thickening agent may comprise about 1% to about 7% by weight. The resulting viscosity of the solution ranges from about 1500 to about 10,000 centipoise.

Abstract: A method for preparing cross-linked collagen and cross-linked collagen products. The method includes incubating collagen in a solution including water, at least one polar solvent and at least one sugar, to form cross-linked collagen. The solution may include a buffer having a suitable pH and ionic strength. The method may include removing excess unreacted sugar(s) and polar solvent(s) by washing the cross-linked collagen or by other methods. The method may also include dehydrating the cross-linked collagen, and may include subjecting the cross-linked collagen to critical point drying, or subjecting the collagen to drying or freeze-drying prior to cross-linking. The collagen may be prepared from atelopeptide collagen to reduce antigenicity, but may also be prepared from other suitable collagen types. The concentration and type of the polar solvent(s), the concentration and type of the reducing sugar(s), and the incubation duration may be varied to control the degree of cross-linking.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for oral administration comprising a carrier and, as active ingredient, an opioid (&mgr;receptor) agonist, such as fentanyl, or a salt thereof, characterized in that the composition is in the form of a fast-dispersing dosage form designed to release the active ingredient rapidly in the oral cavity. A process for preparing such a composition and the use of such a composition as an analgesic, for the treatment of chronic pain and/or breakthrough pain, as an anesthetic premedication, for the induction of anesthesia, as a sedative and/or for the treatment of anxiety are also provided.

Abstract: Remedies effective for the improvement of colonic motor dysfunction such as irritable bowel syndrome, constipation or intestinal atony without causing side effects on the central nerve system. These colonic motor dysfunction remedies comprise, as active ingredients, aminothiazole derivatives represented by the following formula (I) or a salt or hydrate thereof: wherein R1, R2 and R3 may be the same or different and each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a hydroxyl, lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, amino, nitro or cyano group, R4 and R5 may be the same or different and each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group, and n stands for an integer of from 2 to 4.

Abstract: A viscous gel for delivering minor effective amounts of active substances through the nasal membrane into the body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to crosslinking of porous materials made of biodegradable polymers. The method comprises: (a) placing a porous biodegradable polymer in a chamber; (b) introducing a supercritical fluid containing a crosslinking agent into the chamber to effect crosslinking of the porous biodegradable polymer; and optionally (c) introducing a pure supercritical into the chamber to wash the crosslinked polymer until the crosslinking agent is substantially removed from the polymer.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the use of pregelatinized starch to prevent dose-dumping from a hydrophilic controlled release formulation. It also concerns a hydrophilic controlled release formulation, more in particular a hydrophilic controlled release matrix formulation, and solid dosage forms prepared therefrom, preferably for once daily oral administration. The hydrophilic controlled release formulation comprises pregelatinized starch, one or more active ingredients, one or more viscous hydrophilic polymers and optionally pharmaceutically acceptable formulating agents. Preferred hydrophilic polymers include hydroxypropyl cellulose and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.

Abstract: A biphasic controlled release delivery system for pharmaceuticals which have high water solubility, such as the antidiabetic metformin HCl salt, is provided which provides a dosage form that has prolonged gastric residence so that a dosing regimen of at least one gram metformin, once daily, may be achieved while providing effective control of plasma glucose.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sustained-release formulations using alginate gel beads and methods thereof.

Abstract: Orally administrable compositions comprising cation cross-linked polysaccharides are provided. The compositions have the ability to mask the taste and delay the release of an active material included therein. A novel method for the preparation of the compositions is also provided. The cation cross-linked polysaccharide is preferably selected from alginic acid and demethylated pectin and the composition further comprises a digestible polymer, preferably chosen from starch, starch derivatives, &agr;-glucans, peptides and polypeptides.

Abstract: A composition capable of forming a film that ionically bonds to the skin comprising one or more active agents, a nonionic or substantially nonionic first film forming component, one or more cationic surfactant and a liquid carrier.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for the control of various diseases in bee-hives by applying to the bee-hives an effective amount of an essential oil in a slow-release formulation whereby the term oils embraces but is not limited to oils extractable from plant or the essential component thereof such as monoterpenes like menthol, geraniol, thymol, myrcene, citral, limonene, carene, camphor, eugenol, or cineol (eucalyptol); natural oils like lemon oil, eucalyptus oil, or neem oil; or organic acids like formic acid, acetic acid or oxalic acid. Most preferred are monoterpenes like thymol or menthol. Most preferred is thymol.

Abstract: Improvements in increasing the amount of surface-available silver in thermoplastic articles comprising certain silver-containing antimicrobial agents. Such an invention requires the incorporation of a sufficient amount of a carboxylic acid salt within the thermoplastic article simultaneously with the necessary silver-containing antimicrobial agent. Certain carboxylic acid salts are standard acid scavengers and lubricants for certain thermoplastic applications; however, the amounts required within this inventive thermoplastic article are in excess of that commonly added within such articles, and the types of acid scavengers possibly added within such target thermoplastic articles are preferably neutralized hydrotalcite compounds, thereby permitting the carboxylic acid salt to function in the inventive manner.

Abstract: Polystyrene sulfonate (PSS) is a known immune-modulation drug for complement inhibition. Our due diligent review of this drug identifies it as a broad-spectrum immune modulation drug that therapeutically impacts innate and adaptive immune functions. The drug is first of a class of drug that modulates immune responses in accordance to recent advances of immunology. The therapeutic applications with relation to HIV are detailed.

Abstract: A gel made of hyaluronic acid alone which is hardly soluble in a neutral aqueous solution and has fluidity enough to be easily ejectable from an injector.

Abstract: A method for treating podotrochlosis (navicular disease/navicular syndrome) in the foot of a horse is disclosed. The method comprises identifying the specific area(s) of the horse's foot affected by navicular disease and applying at least one extracorporeal shockwave to the affected area(s). In a preferred embodiment, a sonar-emitting device is used to identify the areas within the foot affected by podotrochlosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an agent for inhibiting decomposition of a biologically active peptide by a digestive enzyme, which is aminoalkyl methacrylate coplolymer E as an effective ingredient, and an agent for reducing viscosity of the gastrointestinal mucosa and mucous layers distributed over this mucosa. The present invention relates to a method for inhibiting decomposition of a biologically active peptide by a digestive enzyme, or a method for reducing viscosity of the gastrointestinal mucosa and/or mucous layers distributed over the mucosa, by administration of aminoalkyl methacrylate copolymer E. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for oral use with improved absorption, which comprises a biologically active peptide and aminoalkyl methacrylate copolymer E.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition is provided containing an admixture of phenytoin sodium and an erodible matrix which extends the release of the phenytoin sodium over about a two hour period. The erodible matrix comprises binder(s) and diluent(s) which control the release of drug from the pharmaceutical composition. The erodible matrix can further comprise an alkaline pH modifier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for orally delivering antigens. The antigen and an adjuvant are combined with an acylated amino acid or polyamino acid and, a sulfonated amino acids or polyamino acid, or a salt of the foregoing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a controlled release device for sustained or pulsatile delivery of pharmaceutically active substances for a predetermined period of time. This invention further provides such device in which sustained or pulsatile delivery is obtained by the unique blend and intimate mixture of pharmaceutically active substances with a microbial polysaccharide and uncrosslinked linear polymer and optionally a crosslinked polymer and/or lipophillic polymer and/or lipophillic polymer and/or saturated polyglycolyzed glyceride. The invention also provides for the manufacture of such devices and pharmaceutical compositions containing the same.

Abstract: The ability to incorporate iodoform, tetracycline and a combination of iodoform/tetracycline into root canal gutta percha points is described. The iodoform, tetracycline and iodoform/tetracycline combination are bound within the gutta percha points. They act as a reservoir of antimicrobial that is capable of diffusing onto the surface of the gutta percha thereby inhibiting the colonization of bacteria on the gutta percha points and within the root canal system. Tetracycline is capable of coalescing within the dentinal tubules to inhibit long term microbial growth. These medicated gutta percha points are site specific, surface acting antimicrobial gutta percha points. A method of the usage and delivery of amorphous form iodoform gutta percha, iodoform/tetracycline gutta percha, or tetracycline gutta percha within a heated compule with a pressure plunger by delivering the thermo-softened heat labile amorphous form via a pressure extrusion system through a cannula into the prepared root canal system.

Abstract: A masking agent for pharmaceutical tastes comprises a mixture of a sapid agent and an enhancer, in the form of an intimate mixture. The sapid agent/enhancer distribution is substantially homogeneous and non-statistical. The proportion of sapid agent relative to the enhancer is substantially constant and equal in all powder particles. The masking agent can have a grain size comprised between 10 and 100 &mgr;m, with a Gaussian distribution. The proportion of sapid agent/enhancer is comprised between 97/3 and 90/10, expressed in parts by weight. The sapid agent comprises a sweetener selected from the group comprising sodium saccharinates, calcium saccharinates, saccharine, aspartyl-phenylalanine, acesulfam, cyclamates, stevioside, and mixtures thereof; and the enhancer is selected from the group comprising thaumatin, neohesperidin dihydrochalcone (NHDC), glycyrrhizin, and mixtures thereof. A method of producing a masking agent is also disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are disclosed for treating a hair-bearing surface of a warm-blooded animal, including humans, dogs and cats infested with an ectoparasitic insect, such as lice and/or fleas. Compositions and methods are also disclosed for preventing the infestation or re-infestation of an ectoparasitic insect, such as lice and/or fleas on a hair-bearing surface of a warm-blooded animal, including humans, dogs and cats. The compositions include either a water-soluble polyalkylene glycol or a water-soluble polyalkylene oxide mixed with a polymer or copolymer comprising polyalkylene oxide having carboxylic acid-containing residues. Methods of the invention include topical application to a hair-bearing surface of an effective amount of a composition of this invention, and maintaining the same on the surface for a sufficient period of time to treat the surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a controlled release system useful for site'specific delivery of biologically active ingredients or sensory markers, over an extended period of time, targeting biological surfaces comprising the oral cavity and mucous membranes of various tissues, as well as the controlled release of the biological active ingredients or sensory markers. The controlled release system of the present invention is a nano-particle encapsulated in a moisture sensitive micro-particle. The nano-particle having an average particle diameter of from about 0.01 microns to about 10 microns, which comprises a biodegradable solid hydrophobic core and a bioadhesive/mucoadhesive positively charged surface. The invention also relates to the use of the nano-particles of the present invention in consumer oral hygiene products, such as toothpaste or mouthwash, for treatment and prevention of periodontal disease.

Abstract: Remedies effective for the improvement of colonic motor dysfunction such as irritable bowel syndrome, constipation or intestinal atony without causing side effects on the central nerve system. These colonic motor dysfunction remedies comprise, as active ingredients, aminothiazole derivatives represented by the following formula (I) or a salt or hydrate thereof: wherein R1, R2 and R3 may be the same or different and each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a hydroxyl, lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, amino, nitro or cyano group, R4 and R5 may be the same or different and each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group, and n stands for an integer of from 2 to 4.

Abstract: An improved method for the treatment of melanoma and skin diseases which utilizes a zinc chloride fixative mixture is provided. The active ingredients of the fixative mixture include zinc chloride (a deeply penetrating, tissue killing histologic preservative), and the anti-cancer plant alkaloids sanguinarine and chelerythrine. Zinc chloride allows the surgeon to perform a complete conventional surgical excision around and below a melanomatous tumor through painless, bloodless dead tissue, and because the microscopic structures are fixed in place by the zinc chloride, the excised tissue can be examined by a pathologist to confirm complete excision and clearance of the melanoma. Although zinc chloride fixative paste has been shown to be an effective treatment for human skin cancer and melanoma, this treatment has been overlooked by the medical community. The paste is difficult to maintain and complicated to apply to the affected skin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to substantially uniform, discontinuous films of a skin care product having a defined average particle size, particle spacing and coverage value. The films provide improved skin appearance, e.g., good apparent coverage and a natural look. The films can be formed by any method which provides the defined particle size, particle spacing and coverage value, including silk screening and the like and electrostatic spray techniques. The films are preferably formed by electrostatically spraying the composition onto the skin.

Abstract: A drug delivery system for oral administration in solid dry form of greasy/oily/sticky substance(s) and pharmaceutically active substance(s) or pharmaceutically active substance(s) which itself/themselves is/are greasy/oily/sticky) characterized by having a plurality of solid, polymeric matrix beads comprising considerable amounts of greasy/oily/sticky substances and having fast release characteristics and a process for the preparation of such solid, polymeric matrix beads comprising greasy/oily/sticky substances.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions are provided which comprise effective amounts of antimicrobials, anti-inflammatories, and antihistamines, to provide an ulcer medication which prevents secondary infections and promotes healing while providing immediate relief from pain. The composition may be used to treat a variety of ulcers including but not limited to intraoral aphthous ulcers and non-oral lesions. The compositions of the present invention may also be combined with materials capable of forming seals over ulcers or lesions to further promote the healing process.

Abstract: Solid water-dispersible compositions containing microencapsulated pesticides are produced by spray-drying an aqueous suspension of said pesticides in the presence of a water-soluble polymer.

Abstract: Mucosal surface-coat-forming film dosage units containing a water-soluble hydrocolloid, an effective dose of an active agent and a mucosal adhesion enhancer; wherein the active agent is encapsulated within a polymer which is chemically or physically distinct from the hydocolloid; wherein the mucosal adhesion enhancer is a starch graft copolymer; wherein the film exhibits a dry tack value of less than 3.5 g, a wet tack of greater than 35 g, a gelation temperature that is greater than 70° C. for a 2% polymer solution, a dry film thickness of less than 20 mil, a water content of 0.5 to 10%, a tensile strength greater than 1500 psi, a modulus in the range of 35,000 to 300,000 psi, a % elongation of less than 20%, a tear probagation resistance of 0.001 to 1 N, and a dissolution time in the range of 1 to 600 seconds upon application to an oral mucosal surface.